The Munich startup Penzilla has developed a software solution designed to integrate occupational pensions (bAV) into existing HR systems. The software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution administers existing contracts and identifies suitable contracts for new policies, each tailored to the needs of employers and employees. Dashboards allow all relevant data to be viewed and changes made when needed. A dedicated user interface also enables collaboration with occupational pension advisors.
Penzilla, founded in 2021 by Catherine Leser (COO) and Christoph Leser (CEO), has now completed a pre-seed funding round of €2.5 million. With the capital raised, the company aims to continue pursuing its goal of making occupational pensions simple and secure for companies.
“Occupational pensions still paper-based in many companies”
Co-founder Catherine Leser explains:
“In fact, occupational pensions are still paper-based in many companies. Penzilla solves the associated problems by digitizing and managing the entire portfolio in a legally compliant manner.”
Investors also see significant room for optimization in the occupational pensions sector. Michael Hock, partner at lead investor Motive Ventures, comments:
“There is a clear market gap in the supply of software for occupational pensions and income protection as well as health and long-term care insurance. Penzilla enables employers to save costs and create legal certainty with a central management system.”
Skilled worker competition: benefits matter
Co-investor Wenvest Capital sees both a strong willingness for digital transformation in this segment and the need to make processes more efficient. Employee protection is a responsibility of socially conscious companies. Catherine Leser therefore emphasizes the relevance of this issue in the competition for skilled workers:
“Employees value good, well-organized benefits more than an overflowing fruit basket.”
